Brown Estate, Napa Valley (California) 2018

 A growing effort is underway to amplify the number of women and minorities in the wine industry.  A straightforward way to push for inclusivity is to support minority and women-owned wine businesses like Brown Estate (Napa’s first black-owned estate winery).  It’s an easy task given the caliber of their wines.  Their Chaos Theory, a blend of 50% Petite Sirah, 40% Merlot, and 10% Zinfandel sourced from four different vineyards, reveals a multi-layered ensemble of red and black cherries, black plums, baking chocolate, and vanilla.  It is medium-bodied, and, after about 30 minutes of aeration, it becomes incredibly focused with silky tannins, balanced acidity, and a long and savory finish.  Enjoy now and over the following decade.